Why the Middle East is becoming the center of Airline travel

I’m finding myself traveling to the Middle East, or more accurately, through the Middle East a whole lot more than I used to. I’m noticing others flying to or via the Middle East as well. So far as I can tell, here are a few reasons:

The three major airlines – Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways are putting out very nice, largely new products, such as the A350, 787-9, 787-8, a380, and I’d also put the 777-300ER in that group.

The three major hubs in the Middle East are ~10-16 hour flights to/from the US, which allows enough time to eat, sleep, and relax when traveling in a premium cabin. Even the shorter flights to Europe or Asia still allow enough time to enjoy the flight.

Its a whole lot easier to connect with fewer hassles than I can in Europe (I’m looking at you, London-Heathrow!). Generally, you can make a single stop trip.

You generally still get a nice product for your onward connection, unlike if you fly to Heathrow then on to Rome, or Hong Kong to Phuket (although I think Dragonair has layflat seats).

More fifth freedom routes mean that you can often fly on the same carrier further (as if the more single flight connections wasn’t enough).

Looking at the airlines and three distinct strategies:

Emirates is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is most known for their A380’s, they kind’re kind’ve keeping Airbus’ production going (barely). Having flown on the A380 not once, but twice, its really a great product. Emirates also has a number of partnerships, most notably with Qantas.

Etihad Airways, based just up the road in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, created (and continues to grow it seems) its own Etihad Partners Group, through partnering and equity purchases. They also recently surpassed all other A380 operators, with their new A380. Lucky was on the inaugural, he’s probably got the best report of it so far.

Qatar Airways, based in Doha, Qatar (duh!), joined the Oneworld Airline Alliance, aligning it with American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay and Qantas among others.

Looking at the way commercial aircraft (or at least airline purchases) are moving:

The latest clean sheet aircraft (and perhaps the last ones for quite a while) were the 787 and the A350. Both wide-body, fuel efficient, and reasonably long range aircraft. So far with the 787, we’ve seen airlines announce long thin routes, like British Airways’ London-Heathrow (LHR) to Austin (AUS), and United’s San Francisco (SFO) to Chengdu, China (CTU). Great Circle Mapper had a great graphic of the upcoming 777-8X’s range which paints another reason for why the Middle East is a logical connection point for long haul travel:

Comments

Excellent, thorough points. The one I would add is where do I want to spend time connecting and possibly stuck longer if there are flight issues. The faces of the world experience at these is nice once, but their hubs are in 3 of the world cities I would least like to spend more nights. I still try to connect in Tokyo every time I go to Asia even though Delta is killing its hub, because I love the experience and want to be stranded. Last winter was so disappointed when got in late due to a patient medical issue before takeoff. I thought I had a night in Marita but there was an agent on the key bridge to expedite me to the waiting plane.

@Rapid Travel Chai – Thanks! I completely agree that the 3 cities are places worth spending more time in… I’ve probably been to Dubai or Abu Dhabi a dozen times on connections but not really, really seen the cities. I haven’t had the chance to stay in Narita itself, although I’ve heard wonderful things. I love the comment – “want to be stranded” – worth trying!

Note: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The owners of this website may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links and advertisements posted on this website. For more information, please see our Legal Notice.

This website uses cookies to personalize content and ads and to analyze traffic. Our ad partners may combine this information with other information you have provided them or that they've collected from your use of their services elsewhere. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use this website.OkNoRead more